Exploring the Triple Burden: Financial Dependency, Social Isolation, and Loneliness among residents of a South Indian Rural Community

Background: India’s aging population is rapidly growing with loneliness affecting approximately 48% of older adults in rural India increasing the risk of depression and early mortality. Social isolation and financial stress diminish quality of life and increase dependency, Aims & Objectives: To estimate the prevalence of financial stress, social isolation and loneliness among residents of rural South Indian community. To ascertain the association between socio-demographic factors with these psychosocial outcomes. Methodology: This community-based cross-sectional analytical study was carried out among rural residents (≥ 50 years). We employed WHO SAGE for financial dependence, Lubben Social Network Scale-6 for social isolation, and University of California Los Angeles Loneliness Scale. SPSS Version 23 was used for data analysis. Results: In this study, 53.2% had loneliness, 63.2% had social isolation and 56.4% were financially dependent on the family members. Older age (≥ 60 years) was significantly associated with financial dependance, social isolation and loneliness. Conclusion: Financial dependency, social isolation and Loneliness were significant burdens for older individuals. An integrated, multisectoral approach is essential to address these interconnected issues, focusing on community support, financial literacy and robust social security programs.